• As a birth doula I support women and families who are planning all kinds of birth, from planned caesarean birth or early epidural to home water birth.

• Antenatally, as a birth doula I will usually meet with you at least twice, and be available for phone or email support as questions or concerns arise. You will have the opportunity to talk over any concerns, work out you birth preferences and get to know me.

• I will then go ‘on call’ for you towards the end of your pregnancy (typically around 38 weeks) and will then be available 24/7. I will come to you during labour if you wish, typically before you transfer to a place of birth (if planning a hospital or birth centre birth) or the midwives arrive (with a home birth).

• During labour I provide emotional, practical and informational support to you and your partner, adapting to what is needed. I’m able to offer help and suggestions on comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation, movement and positioning. If applicable, I can also encourage your partner to participate in the birth to a level at which you feel comfortable. My most important role is to provide nurturing, continuous support and reassurance however this process unfolds.

• I will then stay with you until after the baby is born and you and your little family are settled and happy.

• As a birth doula I offer at least one postnatal visit to support you as you settle in life with a new baby, I will offer help with infant feeding as needed and give you an opportunity and space to talk over your birth experience.

• A midwife and doula’s primary roles are quite different. A midwife is trained to be your primary health care provider whose main focus is on the medical health of you and your baby. A doula’s role is non-medical. Doulas do not perform medical exams or deliver (catch) your baby. A doula is a valuable part of your birthing team, available to you any time throughout your pregnancy to answer questions. During labour, your doula offers continuous emotional, informational and physical support to both you and your partner during the entire birth helping you through every contraction while the midwife’s role is focused on the more medical aspects of birthing. In our experience, midwives and doulas make a great team! As the saying goes “a midwife takes care of you from the waist down [birth of baby, placenta, etc.] and doulas take care of you from the waist up [remember to breathe, this is normal, you’ve got this]!”

• "Doulas [...] are exclusively focused on providing non-clinical care. They are specialists in labour support and unlike midwives, do not have clinical obligations which could detract from their mission to continuous support to the family. Doulas are often present at a birth, quietly coaching a mother with breathing, assisting her with positioning or mobility, providing drinks, nourishment, cold cloths and encouragement throughout the process. Doulas also are often available to be physically present with families during the early labour stage, whereas midwives reserve their care for active labour. As a midwife, there have been many times that I am grateful for the presence of a doula to deliver this kind of support while I am occupied preparing necessary equipment or focusing on hands-on clinical skills necessary for a safe delivery. The type of care that doulas and midwives provide have important differences, but really can be quite complementary when used together." - Stephanie Aghajani, Midwife

1. To Help You Create A Birth Plan

   Before going into labor, it’s a good idea to think about your wishes regarding your labor and birth and to record these preferences in a written birth plan for your doctors and nurses to reference. A doula can help you in creating a plan that doesn’t leave out any important information, such as your opinions on pain management.

2. To Offer Physical Support During Labor

   Doulas are trained in techniques to help you manage the intensity of labor and to make it as comfortable as possible. Whether she is massaging your back, applying pressure in key places, or helping you shift into more comfortable and productive positions, your doula’s expertise will help you get through each contraction.

3. To Provide Emotional Support During Birth

   Doulas are known for the calming presence they bring to a birth. With the encouragement, support, and the expert knowledge that comes from attending many births, you will be able to set your mind at ease and focus on what your body needs to do. Having a “birth expert” by your side provides the freedom to trust that when doula says, “You’re doing great and everything is fine” that is truly is fine.

4. To Create Your Ideal Birth Environment

   Would you prefer dimmed lights? Do you have a playlist of encouraging music you’d like to hear while you labor? Whatever your environmental birth preferences are, you can rely on your doula to create your ideal birth environment to adjust as needed throughout your labor and birth.

5. To Help Your Partner Help You

   Birth, particularly that of a first child, can be daunting and scary, not only for the mother herself, but also for her partner. A doula does not replace the support of your partner, but through her expert support and encouragement, equips your partner to support you more effectively.

6. To Take Care of Your Basic Needs

   In the middle of labor, you’d be surprised how easy it is for BOTH mum and dad to forget important things like drinking water and going to the bathroom. Whether she is holding the water bottle for you in between contractions, or helping you to use the restroom after birth, a doula is able to not only remind you both to take care of these necessities, but is able to assist in the process. Additionally, her presence allows your partner the freedom to run to the restroom or grab a quick snack without leaving you alone.

7. To Remind You of Your Desires and Wishes

   Your doula will be well versed in your birth plan and is available to help you ensure that your wishes are honored as much as medically possible. This advocacy may come in the form of encouraging you to ask questions, mediating conversations between you and your care providers, or amplifying your questions or concerns.

8. To Run Errands On Your Behalf

   Do you need some ice chips? Would you like a birthing ball brought to your room? Your doula is available and willing to retrieve whatever it is you might need, allowing your partner to focus totally on you.

9. To Support In Feeding Your Baby, However You Choose to Do It

   The first feedings post-birth are very important for the health of the baby and bonding between mom and child. However, it’s not always easy whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or combo-feeding. Doulas can provide helpful support as you navigate the first feeding, learn to latch your new little one if you’re breastfeeding, and begin your nutrition journey with your little one.

10. To Answer Your Questions

    As a result of their extensive training and attendance at other births, doulas are a wealth of knowledge when it comes to having a baby. Whether you have questions during pregnancy, labor or postpartum, your doula is a trusted resource you can reach out to for information and guidance. The goal is for you to be equipped with tools and information that will help you navigate and make your own decisions once your doula departs.

Doula is not a medical professional, and the following tasks are not performed by doula:

• I do not perform clinical tasks such as vaginal exams or fetal heart monitoring

• I do not give medical advice or diagnose conditions

• I do not make decisions for the client (medical or otherwise)

• I do not pressure the birthing person into certain choices just because that’s what they prefer

• I do not take over the role of the partner

• I do not catch the baby

• I do not change shifts (although some doulas may call in their back-up after 12-24 hours)

I respect your partner’s role and their level of involvement during the birth. As your doula I’m there to support both of you. I will also make sure that your partner is cared for and is able to eat, use the restroom, and take breaks as needed without worrying about you or feeling guilty.

Many studies have shown that having a doula at your birth (a professionally trained and unbiased support person – as opposed to or in addition to a family member) lowers birth complications and the use of unnecessary interventions. It also increases parents’ overall satisfaction with their birth experience.

Some interesting facts about Doula Support:

• 39% decrease in the risk of Cesarean

• 15% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth

• 10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief

• Shorter labors by 41 minutes on average

• 38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five minute Apgar score

• 31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience

Source: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/

“Doula-assisted mothers were four times less likely to have a low birth weight (LBW) baby, two times less likely to experience a birth complication involving themselves or their baby, and significantly more likely to initiate breastfeeding.”

Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3647727/